Evia Island cycling

If you arrive early, you can pick up your bike and take a short ride around Eretria and along the coast.   

Depending on your mood and ambition, you can choose between two options for todays’ ride. 

OPTION 1; You can take the ferry across the Gulf of Evia from Eretria to Oropos, a crossing of 30 minutes. From Oropos you cycle inland. A short, steep ascent leads you to unknown Ancient Amphiarion, dedicated to the god and hero Amphiaraos, one of the Argonauts in the quest for the Golden Fleece. Zigzagging downhill among vineyards, you reach the coast where you peddle back along the seashore to Oropos. You can extend the ride by cycling up to Kalamos and then down to Agioi Apostoloi – to return to Oropos along the coast. 

Distance: 18 - 36.5 km / 11 - 22,5 mi , 2 / 4 hrs, 175 / 350 m ascent-descent

OPTION 2; For an easier route, you can cycle uphill from Eretria via backroads to the village of Gymno and return, partly via the same route. A pleasant ride past olive groves and open farmland, with views to the sea. . 

Additionally you may visit the Ancient site of Eretria and the Acropolis of Eretria before starting your ride. 

Distance: 25 km / 15,5 mi,  2.5 hrs, 170 m ascent-descent

Take a morning ferry (with your bike) from Eretria to Oropos. From Oropos you ride along the coast around the South Evian Gulf. Seaside fishing villages alternate with rural countryside. Closer to Chalkida you will come upon the impressive industrial mining buildings that once flourished in this area, but have plummeted due to the economic crisis. Via the old Evripou Bridge you come to Chalkida, the capital of Evia. The route follows the coastline to the large River Lilas. Here you cycle inland to reach your next stop, the village of Fylla

Distance: 58 km / 36 mi, 5 hrs, 270 m ascent, 240 m descent

A long gradual ascent along the wide River Lilas takes you up to the inland village of Pissonas. Though demanding, the great scenery and tremendous views are rewarding! Further east, you come along the village of Pournos, then head south to Theologos. Next you do a 6km / 3,5 mi descent on a good dirt track and past the tiny village of Kamari. The Castle of Fylla, landmark of this region, comes into view. Soon you reach the Mad Cat Farm and can plunge into the lovely pond.

Distance: 38 km / 23,5 mi, 4 hrs, 400 m ascent and descent

You and your bike will be taken south to Giannitsi: a nice opportunity to see a large part of the island  from a different perspective!

From Giannitsi you cycle to Karystos. To reach the village of Chania, you cycle more than 10km along the River ‘Megalo Remma’, meaning Big Stream in Greek. The area is very remote and peaceful, with the delightful exception of a famous tavern in Pothi, where you can stop for a coffee. From Chania you ascend to Paradeisi with its huge plane trees and ‘Psistaries’, where Greeks from far and wide come to eat the local grilled lamb. Leaving Paradeisi, you descend toward Karystos, with the last 4 km / 2,5 mi on a wide busy road. Your stay is near one of Karystos’ beaches, where you can swim in the clean warm Aegean waters.

Distance: 26 km / 16 mi, 3 hrs, 255 m ascent, 540 m descent

On the last day of this trip, you choose between two options. You can cycle eastward, then ascend to the village of Metochi and further inland before zigzagging downhill to the coast. There is an optional loop to the beach of Bouros (with sun beds, umbrellas and a bar). Here, the tarmac road ends at a massive hotel, abandoned in the nineties. Another, more challenging option is to discover the villages above Karystos, such as Kalivia, Mekounida and Myli. There are over 30 springs in these villages that were still in use daily until recent years. In Myli there is an excellent tavern, where you can enjoy a farewell lunch before peddling downhill back to Karystos. 

Distance: 25 - 22 km / 15,5 - 13,5 mi, 3 / 2.5 hrs, 400 / 440 m ascent / descent

After breakfast your arrangement comes to an end. If you depart on the late afternoon ferry, you can do one of the rides listed under day 6. You leave your bike at the hotel and take a taxi to the port of Marmari, where you get the ferry to Rafina (ferry ticket not included). Optionally you can book a transfer to the airport or take a local bus from Rafina to the Airport.